http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:10:24 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/23/religious-offerings-49th-annual-spring-concert-at-epworth-united-methodist-churc/stories/20260423003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/23/religious-offerings-49th-annual-spring-concert-at-epworth-united-methodist-churc/stories/20260423003#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/23/religious-offerings-49th-annual-spring-concert-at-epworth-united-methodist-churc/stories/20260423003 ■ The Clarence Smith Community Chorus presents its 49th annual spring concert celebration Sunday at Epworth United Methodist Church. Epworth United Methodist Church. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/23/u-s-military-says-it-seizes-another-oil-tanker-associated-with-iran/stories/20260423096 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/23/u-s-military-says-it-seizes-another-oil-tanker-associated-with-iran/stories/20260423096#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:38:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/23/u-s-military-says-it-seizes-another-oil-tanker-associated-with-iran/stories/20260423096 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — President Donald Trump said Thursday he has ordered the U.S. military to “shoot and kill” small Iranian boats that deploy mines to choke traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. A car moves down a street in the early morning in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 22, following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that he was extending the ceasefire with Iran. The Jordan flagged cargo ship "Baghdad" sails in Persian Gulf towards Strait of Hormuz in United Arab Emirates, April 22. Police officers stand guard at a checkpoint to ensure security in Islamabad, Pakistan April 22. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/22/human-rights-campaign-targets-battleground-districts-during-broader-reckoning/stories/20260422086 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/22/human-rights-campaign-targets-battleground-districts-during-broader-reckoning/stories/20260422086#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:37:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/22/human-rights-campaign-targets-battleground-districts-during-broader-reckoning/stories/20260422086 WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign, one of the nation's largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, is vaulting into the midterms with a $15 million investment targeting Republicans in battleground districts after a series of setbacks in recent years. An LGBTQ+ rights supporter holds a flag in the hallway outside an Iowa House Judiciary subcommittee hearing, Jan. 31, 2024, at the Statehouse, in Des Moines, Iowa. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/22/iran-fires-on-3-ships-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-complicating-efforts-to-resume-u-s/stories/20260422085 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/22/iran-fires-on-3-ships-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-complicating-efforts-to-resume-u-s/stories/20260422085#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:32:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/22/iran-fires-on-3-ships-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-complicating-efforts-to-resume-u-s/stories/20260422085 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and seized two of them on Wednesday, intensifying its assault on shipping in the key waterway. The attacks came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire while maintaining an American blockade of Iranian ports. Tankers and bulk carriers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on April 18. Police officers stand guard at a checkpoint to ensure security in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 22. A man rides his motorbike that is adorned with an Iranian national flag, in southern Tehran, Iran, on April 21. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/21/pakistan-presses-ahead-with-preparations-for-iran-u-s-talks-even-with-tehran/stories/20260421080 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/21/pakistan-presses-ahead-with-preparations-for-iran-u-s-talks-even-with-tehran/stories/20260421080#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:23:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/21/pakistan-presses-ahead-with-preparations-for-iran-u-s-talks-even-with-tehran/stories/20260421080 ISLAMABAD —President Donald Trump says the United States is extending its cease-fire with Iran at Pakistan’s request as he waits for a unified proposal from the Islamic Republic. Police officers stand guard at a checkpoint ahead of the second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 21. Paramilitary soldiers patrol to ensure security ahead of the second round of talk between the U.S. and Iran, in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 21. A woman talks on her cellphone as she walks past a billboard showing Rais Ali Delvari, a national hero in an early 1900 uprising against British forces in southern Iran in the Persian Gulf, right, and the late Revolutionary Guard's navy chief Alireza Tangsiri, who was killed in the U.S.-Israeli strike in late March 2026, commanding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, on a building at a square in downtown Tehran, Iran on April 20. Police officers stand guard at a checkpoint on a barricaded to ensure security ahead of the second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 21. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/20/doubts-over-talks-between-iran-and-u-s-after-violence-flares-in-strait-of-hormuz/stories/20260420075 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/20/doubts-over-talks-between-iran-and-u-s-after-violence-flares-in-strait-of-hormuz/stories/20260420075#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:43:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/20/doubts-over-talks-between-iran-and-u-s-after-violence-flares-in-strait-of-hormuz/stories/20260420075 ISLAMABAD — President Donald Trump offered mixed messages on Monday about the path ahead for the U.S. war against Iran, declaring that he was in no rush to end the conflict while also expressing confidence that further negotiations with Tehran will soon take place in Pakistan. A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft prepares to land at Nur Khan airbase, ahead of second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, April 20. Women share a moment as they look at a smartphone at the main gate of the Tehran University as a banner shows portraits of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, right, and the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran, Iran, April 19. An army soldier, left, walks as police officer drives motorcycle on an empty road ahead of second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, in Islamabad, Pakistan April 20. Displaced people cross a destroyed bridge as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, in Tayr Felsay village, southern Lebanon April 19. A muslim walks outside a mosque where a commemorative religious event in honor of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is taking place, organized by the Shiite Muslim Community of Greece in Athens on April 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/20/labor-secretary-lori-chavez-deremer-trumps-cabinet-abuse-power-allegations/stories/20260420106 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/20/labor-secretary-lori-chavez-deremer-trumps-cabinet-abuse-power-allegations/stories/20260420106#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:37:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/20/labor-secretary-lori-chavez-deremer-trumps-cabinet-abuse-power-allegations/stories/20260420106 WASHINGTON — Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is out of President Trump’s Cabinet, the administration announced Monday, after a series of alleged abuses of her position’s power, including having an affair with a subordinate and drinking alcohol on the job. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer arrives at an event to honor the 2025 Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami in the East Room of the White House on March 5 in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/20/powerful-7-5-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-japan-tsunami-alert-issued/stories/20260420074 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/20/powerful-7-5-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-japan-tsunami-alert-issued/stories/20260420074#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:41:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/20/powerful-7-5-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-japan-tsunami-alert-issued/stories/20260420074 TOKYO — An earthquake registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 off northern Japan on Monday prompted a short-lived tsunami alert and the advisory of a higher risk of a possible mega-quake for coastal areas there. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/health-and-well-being/2026/04/19/ohioan-family-caregivers-provide-32-billion-in-labor-each-year-study-finds/stories/20260405066 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/health-and-well-being/2026/04/19/ohioan-family-caregivers-provide-32-billion-in-labor-each-year-study-finds/stories/20260405066#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/health-and-well-being/2026/04/19/ohioan-family-caregivers-provide-32-billion-in-labor-each-year-study-finds/stories/20260405066 Without family caregivers, the aging and disabled population would be in trouble, an AARP study concluded. Nancy Temme at her home in Whitehouse, where she is a caregiver to her husband. Nancy Temme cares for her husband, using specialized fixtures and tools in their home in Whitehouse. Nancy Temme cares for her husband at their home and with the help of specialized equipment. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia in 2000. Nancy Temme uses equipment to help care for her husband in their home. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/19/8-children-killed-domestic-shootings-across-multiple-homes-louisiana-police-say/stories/20260419111 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/19/8-children-killed-domestic-shootings-across-multiple-homes-louisiana-police-say/stories/20260419111#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:43:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/19/8-children-killed-domestic-shootings-across-multiple-homes-louisiana-police-say/stories/20260419111 A man killed eight children, including seven of his own, and shot two women in an attack in a Shreveport, Louisiana, neighborhood that was the nation's deadliest shooting in more than two years, authorities said. Satonia Small, with the organization Something Safe To Do, speaks to the news media and others gathered close to where a mass shooting took place in Shreveport, La., on April 19. Police tape blocks off a house in Shreveport, La., that is one of the locations tied to a mass shooting on April 19. Police gather on Harrison Street near Bernstein Avenue, in Shreveport, La., at a location being investigated for a mass shooting on April 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/19/trump-says-us-seizes-iranian-flagged-cargo-ship-strait-hormuz-pass-blockade/stories/20260419112 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/19/trump-says-us-seizes-iranian-flagged-cargo-ship-strait-hormuz-pass-blockade/stories/20260419112#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:51:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/19/trump-says-us-seizes-iranian-flagged-cargo-ship-strait-hormuz-pass-blockade/stories/20260419112 WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said the U.S. forcibly seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that tried to get around a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, the first such interception since the blockade of Iranian ports began last week. Tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, on April 18. A police officer stands guard at a checkpoint on a barricaded road to ensure security ahead of the second round of the U.S. Iran officials talks, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 19. Army troops patrol at a road to ensure security ahead of the second round of the U.S. Iran officials talks, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 19. A tanker sits anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, on April 18. Police officers stand guard at a checkpoint on a barricaded road to ensure security ahead of the second round of the U.S. Iran officials talks in Islamabad on April 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/health-and-well-being/2026/04/19/statewide-study-on-adversity-resilience-entering-second-phase/stories/20260401156 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/health-and-well-being/2026/04/19/statewide-study-on-adversity-resilience-entering-second-phase/stories/20260401156#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/health-and-well-being/2026/04/19/statewide-study-on-adversity-resilience-entering-second-phase/stories/20260401156 A $20 million state study launched in 2024 is giving University of Toledo researchers a glimpse into the resiliency of Ohio residents. The Wexner Medical Center at the Ohio State University is the headquarters for institutions involved in a $20 million statewide study on adversity, resilience, and mental health. Gov. Mike DeWine announced early results of the statewide mental health initiative known as the State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience study during the 15th annual Faces of Resilience fundraiser in Columbus, June 23, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/18/iranian-gunboats-fire-tanker-strait-hormuz-british-military-says/stories/20260418083 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/18/iranian-gunboats-fire-tanker-strait-hormuz-british-military-says/stories/20260418083#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:19:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/18/iranian-gunboats-fire-tanker-strait-hormuz-british-military-says/stories/20260418083 Iran reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and fired on a tanker attempting to pass the waterway on Saturday. It also warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect. Assem Abdallah reacts as he enters his friend apartment destroyed in a Israeli airstrike in Kfar Roumman, southern Lebanon on April 17 following a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Women members of the Basij paramilitary, affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard, march with their weapons during a state-organized rally in support of the supreme leader marking National Girl's Day in Tehran, Iran, on April 17, Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates on March 11. Two police officers walk in front of an anti-U.S. billboard depicting American aircraft being caught by Iranian armed forces in a fishing net beneath the words in Farsi, "The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, The entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground," in Tehran, Iran, on April 5, https://www.toledoblade.com/news/medical/2026/04/17/ohio-nursing-homes-dumping-patients-at-homeless-shelters/stories/20260417114 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/medical/2026/04/17/ohio-nursing-homes-dumping-patients-at-homeless-shelters/stories/20260417114#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:01:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/medical/2026/04/17/ohio-nursing-homes-dumping-patients-at-homeless-shelters/stories/20260417114 COLUMBUS — The scene was concerning enough to prompt the homeless shelter staff to call the fire department. Some Ohio nursing homes have resorted to transferring patients to homeless shelters. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/17/severe-storm-outbreak-poised-clobber-relentless-week-tornadoes-hail-floods/stories/20260417106 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/17/severe-storm-outbreak-poised-clobber-relentless-week-tornadoes-hail-floods/stories/20260417106#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:49:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/04/17/severe-storm-outbreak-poised-clobber-relentless-week-tornadoes-hail-floods/stories/20260417106 A new severe storm outbreak with potential intense tornadoes is set to slam the central US Friday, hitting areas already battered by a multi-day onslaught of twisters, massive hail and historic flooding. Threat of storms comes after nearly four dozen tornado reports and over 350 reports of hail — some as large as softballs — from Texas to the Great Lakes since Monday. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/17/A-10-day-ceasefire-in-Lebanon-goes-into-effect/stories/20260417094 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/17/A-10-day-ceasefire-in-Lebanon-goes-into-effect/stories/20260417094#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:39:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/17/A-10-day-ceasefire-in-Lebanon-goes-into-effect/stories/20260417094 BEIRUT — A 10-day truce appeared to be holding in Lebanon early Friday, promising a pause in fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and possibly clearing one major obstacle to a deal between Iran and the United States and Israel to end weeks of devastating war. Displaced residents drive back to their villages as locals wave Hezbollah flags and an image of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in Zefta, southern Lebanon April 17 following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Iranian Jews attend a memorial for the slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other victims, who were killed in the U.S. and Israel strikes, at Yousefabad Synagogue, in Tehran, Iran, April 16. People wave Hezbollah flags and an image of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in Zefta, southern Lebanon April 17 as displaced residents drive back to their villages following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Displaced people returning to their villages following a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, cross the destroyed Qasmiyeh bridge near Tyre city, south Lebanon on April 17. Tracer rounds illuminate the night sky as people fire live ammunition and fireworks into the air following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, in Beirut, Lebanon, early April 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/rosary-cathedral-new-murals-luminous-mysteries/stories/20260416105 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/rosary-cathedral-new-murals-luminous-mysteries/stories/20260416105#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:31:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/rosary-cathedral-new-murals-luminous-mysteries/stories/20260416105 When Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral was dedicated in 1940, five parts of the vaulted ceiling in the narthex were left undecorated. David LaFleur, artist, holds up his model paintings as he speaks about his design approach for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Louis R. DiCocco III, founder and director of St. Jude Liturgical Art Studio, smiles next to a design print as Daniel LaFleur, artist, speaks about his planning process for the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo, speaks while surrounded by the design plans for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Sketching on the ceiling is featured inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. The undecorated vaults of the ceiling in the Narthex, where The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary will be depicted inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, are showcased in Toledo on April 16. Louis R. DiCocco III, founder and director of St. Jude Liturgical Art Studio, speaks about his companies design plans and strategy for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. A model painting, by artist David LaFleur, of The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, sits on display inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Model paintings, done by artist David LaFleur, of The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, sit on display inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Members of the church, project, and attendees listen as Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo, speaks about The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. David LaFleur, artist, holds up his model paintings as he speaks about his design approach for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/16/u-s-military-will-target-iran-linked-ships-worldwide-broadening-scope-beyond/stories/20260416106 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/16/u-s-military-will-target-iran-linked-ships-worldwide-broadening-scope-beyond/stories/20260416106#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:23:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/16/u-s-military-will-target-iran-linked-ships-worldwide-broadening-scope-beyond/stories/20260416106 WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has widened its efforts beyond the blockade of Iran's ports to allow its forces around the world to stop any ship tied to Tehran or those suspected of carrying supplies that could help its government, from weapons to oil, metals and electronics. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine speaks to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon April 16 in Washington. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine speaks to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon, April 16 in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/16/pakistani-army-chief-visits-tehran-in-hopes-for-renewed-talks-between-u-s-iran/stories/20260416093 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/16/pakistani-army-chief-visits-tehran-in-hopes-for-renewed-talks-between-u-s-iran/stories/20260416093#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:06:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/04/16/pakistani-army-chief-visits-tehran-in-hopes-for-renewed-talks-between-u-s-iran/stories/20260416093 CAIRO — Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day cease-fire, President Donald Trump announced Thursday, two days after the countries held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington. Backdropped by ships in the Strait of Hormuz, damage, according to local witnesses caused by several recent airstrikes during the U.S.-Israel military campaign, is seen on a fishing pier in the port of Qeshm island, Iran on April 13. In this photo released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets with Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir in Tehran on April 15. Paramedics attach a portrait over the grave of Ghadir Baalbaki, 19, who was killed on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike, at a temporary mass grave in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon April 15. Relatives of Ghadir Baalbaki, 19, who was killed on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike, mourn during her funeral in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon April 15. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/religious-offerings-churches-to-bring-speaker-on-fear-and-kids-class-on-antiraci/stories/20260416002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/religious-offerings-churches-to-bring-speaker-on-fear-and-kids-class-on-antiraci/stories/20260416002#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:52:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/religious-offerings-churches-to-bring-speaker-on-fear-and-kids-class-on-antiraci/stories/20260416002 ■ Irish author Gareth Higgins is set to speak April 25 in the next installment of the Chidester Lecture Series at Sylvania United Church of Christ. Visitors at Sylvania United Church of Christ on Oct. 12, 2024.